The morning sun cast long shadows across Liyue Harbor as Shinzō secured the last of his travel supplies. The Pokémon House stood closed for the first time in months, a simple sign reading "Temporary Closure - Cultural Exchange Mission" hanging from the door.
"Ganyu, you're absolutely certain about managing things while I'm gone?" Shinzō asked, adjusting his travel pack.
The half-qilin nodded earnestly. "The basic care instructions are clear, and I've memorized the feeding schedules. Though I still can't believe you're flying there yourself."
Shinzō pulled out Zekrom's Pokéball, the device humming with contained electrical energy. "It's the fastest way to reach Mondstadt. Plus, Lisa did say they wanted to understand Pokémon better."
"By arriving on a legendary dragon that controls storms?" Ganyu's voice carried a note of concern. "That seems... dramatic."
"Sometimes diplomacy requires making an impression."
The system chimed softly in his mind: Travel mode activated. Aerial transport recommended for efficiency. Warning: Weather patterns may be affected by Zekrom's presence.
"We'll be fine," Shinzō said, though he made a mental note about the weather warning. "Keep the shop secure. I'll send word when we arrive."
Twenty minutes later, Shinzō stood in an open field outside Liyue Harbor, Zekrom's massive form materialized before him. The black dragon's presence immediately charged the air with electricity, making his hair stand on end.
"Ready for a long flight, partner?" Shinzō asked, climbing onto the legendary's broad back.
Zekrom's deep voice rumbled in response. "It has been some time since I have stretched my wings properly. The skies of Teyvat will be... interesting to explore."
With a powerful beat of its wings, Zekrom launched into the sky. The ground fell away rapidly as they soared above the clouds, heading northwest toward Mondstadt. The wind whipped through Shinzō's hair as he marveled at the aerial view of Teyvat's landscape.
But as they flew, dark clouds began gathering around them.
In Mondstadt, Acting Grand Master Jean stood on the cathedral's highest balcony, reviewing patrol reports. The morning had been peaceful—exactly the kind of routine day she appreciated after months of dealing with various crises.
That peace shattered when Amber burst through the door.
"Jean! Emergency! There's a massive storm system approaching from the southeast!" The Outrider's face was flushed from running. "It appeared out of nowhere and it's moving fast!"
Jean's blood ran cold. She rushed to the balcony, pulling out her spyglass. On the horizon, she could see dark storm clouds swirling in unnatural patterns, crackling with frequent lightning strikes.
"Stormterror," she whispered, memories of Dvalin's attacks flooding back.
"That's what I thought too," Amber said breathlessly. "But the storm patterns are different. More... concentrated."
Jean lowered the spyglass, her mind racing through protocols. "Sound the alarm. Evacuate citizens from the outer districts. All available Knights to defensive positions."
"Already done," Amber replied. "Kaeya's coordinating the evacuation, and Lisa's gathering the other Vision holders."
Through the city below, the bells of Mondstadt began tolling the emergency signal. Citizens hurried through the streets, some panicking, others moving with the practiced efficiency of people who'd weathered Stormterror's attacks before.
Jean gripped the balcony railing, watching the storm approach. "Where are Diluc and the others?"
"Diluc's securing the winery. The bard Venti..." Amber paused. "Nobody's seen him since yesterday, but he's probably just drinking somewhere."
The missing bard was the least of their concerns right now.
The storm clouds grew larger, lightning flashing more frequently. But as Jean watched, something seemed off about the patterns. The lightning wasn't random—it pulsed with an almost rhythmic quality.
"Amber, get me Lisa. Now."
High above the approaching storm, Shinzō clung tightly to Zekrom's back as the legendary dragon's natural electrical field began interacting with Mondstadt's weather patterns.
"Can you tone down the storm effects?" Shinzō called over the wind.
"The atmospheric conditions here are particularly reactive," Zekrom replied, its voice carrying easily despite the turbulence. "I am attempting to minimize the disturbance, but some electrical activity is unavoidable."
Below them, Shinzō could see Mondstadt's distinctive architecture coming into view. The city looked exactly as he remembered from the game, but seeing the panicked movement of people in the streets made his stomach drop.
"They think we're attacking," he realized. "Zekrom, we need to land immediately and dispel this storm."
"Understood."
The dragon began its descent, heading for the bridge that served as Mondstadt's main entrance. As they approached, Shinzō could see Knights of Favonius taking defensive positions, their weapons drawn.
Jean stood with Lisa and Kaeya on the cathedral steps, watching the storm descend toward the city. The librarian's usual lazy demeanor had been replaced by sharp focus as she analyzed the electrical patterns.
"It's not Stormterror," Lisa announced. "The energy signature is completely different. More... controlled."
"Controlled how?" Kaeya asked, ice crystals forming around his vision.
"Like it's being directed by something intelligent. Something that's trying not to cause damage."
Before Jean could respond, the storm clouds suddenly began dissipating as a massive black shape descended toward the bridge. Through the clearing air, they could make out the unmistakable form of a dragon—but not Dvalin.
"What in the name of Barbatos..." Jean breathed.
The creature landed on the bridge with surprising grace, its black scales gleaming in the returning sunlight. But what made Jean's eyes widen was the human figure sliding down from the dragon's back.
"That's him," Kaeya said quietly, recognition dawning in his voice. "That's the merchant from Liyue."
Shinzō stood on the bridge, raising one hand in a peaceful gesture while pulling out a Pokéball with the other. In a flash of light, Zekrom disappeared, leaving only the young man standing alone.
Almost immediately, he released another Pokémon—this one smaller, bipedal, with orange and red coloring. Flames danced around its wrists as it took a protective stance beside its trainer.
The citizens of Mondstadt, who had been cowering in their homes, began emerging to stare at the impossible sight. Murmurs rippled through the gathering crowd.
"Is that one of those Pokémon creatures?"
"The ones from the stories?"
"It's real..."
Jean took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. "Knights, maintain defensive positions but do not attack. This appears to be the diplomatic envoy we were expecting."
She began walking toward the bridge, Lisa and Kaeya flanking her. As they approached, the Fire-type Pokémon—Blaziken, if she remembered Lisa's report correctly—tensed but made no aggressive moves.
Shinzō bowed formally as they reached him. "Acting Grand Master Jean, I presume? I'm Shinzō Tatsunaga, manager of the Pokémon House in Liyue. I apologize for the dramatic entrance."
"That was quite an introduction," Jean replied, her voice carefully neutral. "Though I understand you had official business to discuss?"
"Indeed. The Knights of Favonius extended an invitation for cultural exchange." Shinzō gestured to Blaziken, who performed what could only be described as a respectful nod. "I've brought one of my partners to demonstrate the true nature of Pokémon."
Lisa stepped forward, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Fascinating. The energy readings are completely different from what I observed in Liyue."
"Each Pokémon is unique," Shinzō explained. "Blaziken here specializes in Fire and Fighting-type techniques."
As if on cue, Blaziken performed a small demonstration, launching a controlled flame attack into the air that formed a perfect spiral before dissipating harmlessly.
The crowd gasped in amazement. Several children who had been hiding behind their parents now pressed forward for a better look.
Jean found herself impressed despite her caution. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion somewhere more private? I'd like to hear more about your proposal for Mondstadt."
"Of course. Though I should mention—I have several other partners who will need accommodation during my stay."
Kaeya raised an eyebrow. "How many is several?"
"Five total, including the one you just saw." Shinzō's smile carried a hint of mischief. "Don't worry. They're all well-behaved."
Jean had a feeling that her definition of 'well-behaved' and his might be very different. But looking at the wonder in her citizens' faces as they watched Blaziken, she realized this could be exactly what Mondstadt needed.
Something new. Something hopeful.
Something that didn't involve ancient dragons trying to destroy the city for once.
"Welcome to Mondstadt, Manager Shinzō. Let's discuss how we can bring Pokémon to the City of Freedom."